ATTENTION: DHS and Advantage Program Updates

The Advantage Program was a NYC Department of Homeless Services (DHS) program that provided rental subsidies that helped clients transition from temporary, emergency shelter to self-sufficiency as quickly as possible, instilling responsibility through its firm linkage to employment opportunities. However, due to New York State's withdrawal of funding for the program, DHS ceased signing Advantage leases as of April 1, 2011. If you have questions or concerns about the Advantage program as a client or a landlord, please contact DHS at 212-607-6200.

CM James Comments on City Jail Plan; Capital Cuts

**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**
June 15, 2011

Contact Amyre Loomis at (718) 260-9191, (646) 201-8183

Despite Cut in Capital Spending, Mayor Bloomberg Plans to Build New Jail: Council Member James Dumbfounded

At this time, because of difficult fiscal times Mayor Bloomberg is proposing a 20 percent reduction in planned City capital spending, which translates to less money for building new schools, new construction of affordable housing, and upgrading public parks around the City.

I still ask why Mayor Bloomberg will not make big banks and millionaires pay their fair share to prevent the worst proposed cuts in this year’s budget? It is well known that real alternatives to these destructive cuts are possible! New Yorkers will continue to hold the Bloomberg Administration accountable, and we now demand that big banks and millionaires pay their fair share! We are all fighting for a City that works for everyone.

And, I along with other New Yorkers are surprised to learn this week that the Bloomberg Administration is still planning to commit more than $620 million in 2011 through 2015 for construction of a new jail on Rikers Island, renovation of jails in Brooklyn and Queens, and the closing of other facilities. Ironically, the system will have less capacity than currently when the changes are complete. The question remains: in the long run who really benefits from this jail construction and the millions of dollars spent – wealthy developers, or NYC constituents?

An alternative to cutting capital spending does exist! This funding is crucial - because it would benefit those who need it the most - the residents of New York City. I will say it again: it is simply time to eliminate unaffordable subsidies for the wealthy. Let’s stop cutting funding for financial institutions, and support the statewide Millionaires Tax. These are fair and just options.

###

For more details, please read the article posted by Nashla Salas at:

http://ibo.nyc.ny.us/cgi-park/?p=357

Council Member James Comments on Proposed Cuts to BPL, NYPL

"As you likely already know, the Brooklyn Public Library (BPL) faces a $25.2M reduction in City funding that would result in the closure of libraries, and a drastic reduction in hours of service across the borough. Similarly, the New York Public Library (NYPL) faces a $39.8M reduction— which puts at-risk an estimated 12 NYPL locations, would limit service to 4-days-per-week, eliminate 687 positions, and reduce by 14,200 various career-counseling classes.

Public libraries provide a vital community resource that offer many New Yorkers the only career and research services they readily have access to. As the City Council faces harsh budget cuts this fiscal year, it is imperative that we as a body advocate for the restoration of funds to our public libraries. The New York City Council has a record of support for public institutions, and I will continue to do my part to back the continued support of the Brooklyn Public Library and the New York Public Library."

Sincerely,
Letitia James
Member of the City Council

Council Member James Comments on Proposed Cuts to Citywide Cultural Institution Groups

"The City is currently facing a $35.4M cut to Citywide Cultural Institution Groups (CIGs), which constitutes a 50% reduction in operating support, a loss of nearly 1,000 jobs, and cuts in services to school children.

CIGs are 33 cultural institutions located on City-owned property, which receive significant public capital and operating support to help meet basic security, maintenance, administration and energy costs. In return for this support, these institutions- which include zoos, museums, and historical societies throughout the five boroughs- operate as publicly-owned facilities whose mandate is to provide cultural services accessible to all New Yorker.

More than 9,000 CIG employees live and work in New York City. In 2010, CIGs contracted with more than 12,000 NYC vendors and contributed more than $500M to the local economy. CIGs like the American Museum of Natural History, the Brooklyn Academy of Music, the New York City Ballet, the Bronx Zoo, and New York City Center are vital cultural attractions that bring millions of dollars in tourist spending to New York City.

I am committed to advocating for the restoration of funds to all CIGs, which provide an important cultural service to the citizens and visitors of New York City."

Sincerely,
Letitia James
Member of the City Council

CM James Joins BK Community Service in Opposition To Closure of Duffield Children's Center; 4/12; 5PM; City Hall

Duffield Children's Center is at risk of closing due to the City's proposed budget to cut as many as 16,000 subsidized child care slots.

The April 12, 2011 rally will be an opportunity to influence Mayor Bloomberg before he releases his budget at the end of April, so please join Brooklyn Community Services and other advocates at City Hall to advocate for Duffield Children's Center.

When: Tuesday, April 12th
5:00PM
Where: City Hall Steps
Who: Brooklyn Community Services
Council Member Letitia James

Read more here: http://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/City-to-Announce-116276129.html

CM James Suggests Early Retirement Incentive for City Employees

**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE** March 30, 2011

Contact Amyre Loomis at (718) 260-9191

COUNCIL MEMBER LETITIA JAMES SUGGESTS MAYOR BLOOMBERG RECONSIDER AN EARLY RETIREMENT INCENTIVE (ERI) FOR ALL CITY EMPLOYEES TO LOWER COSTS

(Brooklyn, NY) According to research and expert advice, I agree that a buyout or early retirement incentive is a tried and proven method to get salaried workers to voluntarily step aside, saving jobs of younger workers who can least afford to be out of work.

Simply put, it's the least painful way to reduce the work force. If Mayor Bloomberg is so adamantly opposed (at present, when he previously endorsed such a plan in 2002) to an early retirement incentive, let him release a detailed financial analysis as to why it is not viable option to be explored with the public and the unions. NYC employee's financial and emotional lives hang in the balance and all options should be aired openly and honestly to find the most effective way of dealing with the fiscal problems of today.

In a buyout, the rate of “back filling” or rehiring is the most crucial determinant for success or failure. At present, if a City worker leaves or retires the position or line is lost, there is no rehire, hence a shrinking workforce. Combined with hiring freezes controlled by the Mayor - who has strict governance over the city’s workforce and therefore payroll expenses - he could employ an early retirement incentive to maximize payroll savings, ASAP.

Unemployment insurance for up to 99 weeks for laid off workers, loss of city and state tax revenue, loss of health insurance for many families, possible foreclosures etc., as well as the emotional upheaval that ripples outward is a huge avoidable cost. This type of information (overall social cost) is rarely addressed when quantifying the overall success or failure of an early retirement incentive. For example, simple math - layoff teachers verses an early retirement incentive for all agencies: if you lay off 4,600 workers (teachers) and pay each unemployment insurance of $400 per week for 99 weeks that’s 400 x 4,600 = 1.84million x 99 weeks = a potential $182 million dollars. This does not include driving current and potential teachers from the profession, and the 4,600 former professional middle class New Yorkers who would join the expanding pool of the 9% unemployed.

In summary, an early retirement incentive would continue to reduce the City work force with immediate cost savings (rather than pension relief that would take decades to materialize and that the NYS Legislature appears reluctant to overturn), and have a lesser impact on career civil servants. It forces NYC agencies to do more with less, while negatively impacting society to a lesser degree, as opposed to sending thousands of workers into a very poor job market.

I ask the Bloomberg Administration to address this viable alternative and statistically explain the resistance to such a course of action. There appears no opposition from the workers, the unions, the City Council, the NYS Legislature - only the Mayor stands opposed.

###

CM James and Elected Officials Rally In Opposition to Senior Center Closings

STATE AND CITY ELECTED OFFICIALS HELD RALLY IN OPPOSITION TO SENIOR CENTERS CLOSING– FRIDAY, MARCH 18TH AT 11AM ON THE STEPS OF CITY HALL

Council Member James urged the community, all seniors and advocates to mobilize against severe threats to senior services

(Brooklyn, NY) – Governor Cuomo and Mayor Bloomberg have joined forces to cut funding for New York City’s senior centers, many who rely on these centers for meals, social activities, and companionship. The Bloomberg Administration announced its plan to close over 100 centers throughout the five boroughs, putting as many as ten thousand seniors at risk of hunger and social isolation.

“This potentially devastating loss of state funding would profoundly affect senior centers across New York City. We are working hard to have this action reversed, but unless the state dollars are restored, DFTA will be forced to close up to 105 of its 256 senior centers,” said Christopher Miller Director of Public Affairs, NYC Department for the Aging.

State Senator Velmanette Montgomery said: “Our Seniors built this country and this city with their work and dedication, and we will not balance the budget on their backs. The Legislature has identified funding for these programs, and these programs will be saved!”

“The reduction in state funding for ‘mandated’ services and the consequent diversion of financing used for ‘discretionary’ services will drastically weaken a necessary support system for our seniors that has been in place for more than twenty years,” said State Senator Eric Adams. “After decades of hard work providing for their families, senior citizens deserve fundamental services and protections so that they can continue to lead healthy and active lives. The dire economic condition of the State of New York requires severe budgetary constraints, but it is imperative that our senior citizens do not bear the brunt of this fiscal retrenchment.”

“Long before I was old enough to use one, I was the president of a senior center from 1973 to 1978,” said Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz. “So, I know firsthand the central role they play in seniors’ lives. Cutting $25.2 million of funding would force 105 centers to close in New York City, 31 in Brooklyn alone. With our economy and aging population, not only is this the wrong time to cut funding we should be increasing funding for senior centers. For seniors, the ‘social network’ isn’t about Facebook or Twitter—it’s about the people they meet and socialize and interact with at the neighborhood senior center.”

“I believe there are only two reasons that any of us are here, God and our seniors, and we’ll be judged by how we treat them. The State wants to close two out of the three centers in my district. How can one center serve all of my seniors? What about the millionaire’s tax extension or the "421A" tax abatement program? Yankee’s player, Alex Rodriguez, practically gets a free ride while our senior centers are decimated,” said Council Member Jumaane Williams.

Igal Jellinek, Executive Director, Council of Senior Centers and Services, CSCS, said: “On behalf of thousand older New Yorkers, we are proud that Brooklyn’s elected leaders are standing with them to protect senior centers. However, the fight is not over until it is over. Senior centers are still in danger of closing by April 1. Older New Yorkers, elected leaders, service providers, and advocates must continue to place pressure on the governor and tell him to stand up for seniors by standing with Brooklynites. Our elected leaders must make senior center funding mandatory so that older New Yorkers and their senior centers are not faced with this devastating cut every year.”

“A loss of $25 million to DFTA's senior center budget, or approximately 1/3 of funding for senior centers is reprehensible. We stand on the shoulders of these seniors; they are the backbone of society and I’m going to fight this with every fiber of my being,” said Council Member Letitia James. “Our parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles have paid their dues, and their lifelines will not close on my watch. New York City senior centers are a vital source of community life.”

WHO: Council Member Letitia James
NYS Senator Eric Adams

U.S. Representative Yvette Clarke
NYS Senator Velmanette Montgomery
NYS Assembly Member Annette Robinson

NYS Assembly Member Karim Camara

NYS Assembly Member Hakeem Jeffries
Council Member Jumaane Williams
Council Member Lew Fidler

Council Member Mathieu Eugene

WHAT: Rally to Oppose the Closing of Senior Centers in New York City

WHERE: Steps of City Hall, Lower Manhattan

WHEN: Friday, March 18
11:00 AM

###

CM James On Protecting Our Seniors

Dear New Yorker:

As you well know, New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo’s FY 2011-2012 budget would allocate a cut of over $25M in Federal Title XX funding to senior centers. Title XX is funding administered by the Social Security Act of the United States Department of Health and Human Services: Administration for Children and Families, and the Office of Community Services.

This dramatic cut in statewide funding would close 105 of 256 senior centers throughout New York City; two within the 35th District that I represent. An estimated 7,000 to 10,000 older New Yorkers would lose their local senior center. It is a fact that senior centers keep older adults healthy, engaged, and active as they progress into their golden years. Many seniors also rely on these centers for meals, social activities, and companionship.

This proposed loss of $25.2M in the Department for the Aging (DFTA) senior center budget equates to an estimated 1/3 of overall funding for senior centers. This is a completely unacceptable proposal, and I stand strong with my colleagues in the New York City Council, as well as on the state level, in opposing a budget cut that would put thousands of seniors at risk of hunger and social isolation.

I ask you to join me by contacting Governor Cuomo by phone at (518) 474-8390, or by mail at:
The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo
Governor of New York State
NYS State Capitol Building
Albany, NY 12224

Sincerely,

Letitia James

Member of the City Council

CMs Hold Rally In Opposition to Senior Center Closings; 3/11; 1PM

**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**
March 8, 2011

Contact Amyre Loomis at (718) 260-9191, (646) 201-8183

NEW YORK CITY COUNCIL HOLDS RALLY IN OPPOSITION TO SENIOR CENTER CLOSING THIS FRIDAY, MARCH 11TH, AT 1PM ON THE STEPS OF CITY HALL

Council Member James urges the community; all seniors and advocates to mobilize against threats to senior services

(Brooklyn, NY) – Governor Cuomo and Mayor Bloomberg have joined forces to decrease funding for New York City’s senior centers, many who rely on these centers for meals, social activities, and companionship. The Bloomberg Administration announced its plan to close over 100 centers throughout the five boroughs, putting as many as ten thousand seniors at risk of hunger and social isolation.

“This potentially devastating loss of state funding would profoundly affect senior centers across New York City. We are working hard to have this action reversed, but unless the state dollars are restored, DFTA will be forced to close up to 105 of its 256 senior centers,” said Christopher Miller Director of Public Affairs, NYC Department for the Aging.

“A loss of $25 million to DFTA's senior center budget, or approximately 1/3 of funding for senior centers is reprehensible. We stand on the shoulders of these seniors; they are the backbone of our community. These parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles have paid their dues, and their lifelines – New York City senior centers will not close without a fight,” said Council Member Letitia James.

What: Rally to Oppose the Closing of Senior Centers in New York City
Where: Steps of City Hall, Lower Manhattan
When: Friday, March 11
Time: 1pm

##

ATTENTION: Rally To Stop School Budget Cuts; 3/17; BK Boro Hall

On Thursday, March 17, 2011, Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz will join New York Communities for Change, Alliance for Quality Education, and New York Charter Parents Association at "A Rally To Organize: No Budget Cuts to Our Schools" at Brooklyn Borough Hall. All Brooklyn parents (and advocates) are invited.

Brooklyn Borough Hall is located at 209 Joralemon Street in Brooklyn, NY.

Please call (347) 410-6919 x240 for more information.

ATTENTION: NYC and NYS Announce Public Housing Restorations

Recently, New York City and State announced a major plan to restore Section 8 vouchers for more than 6,000 families across the five boroughs.

Last December, the NYC Housing Authority (NYCHA) was forced to withdraw its offer of Section 8 vouchers for roughly 2,500 approved families as a result of a major shortfall in its Section 8 budget. Vouchers for an additional 4,000 families were also at risk of being terminated. Upon learning of this problem, the NYC Council held two hearings, entered into discussions with NYCHA and the NYC Department of Housing Preservation & Development (HPD), and has now committed to providing $7 million so that these low-income New Yorkers won't end up on the street.

The full plan includes: using $23 million in HPD Section 8 reserves; transferring 750 vouchers from the NYS Division of Housing & Community Renewal (DHCR) to HPD; using federal HOME program funding to fund additional vouchers; and allocating Council capital funding to replace the shifted HOME funds. This plan will restore or save all 6,500 vouchers. Because of the steps that we're collectively taking today, thousands of New Yorkers will soon receive the vouchers they need to remain safe and sheltered.

And in another major victory for NYC tenants, last week the NYS Supreme Court's Appellate Division upheld Justice Emily Jane Goodman's decision earlier this year striking down the Rent Guidelines Board's (RGB) 2008 supplemental increase. In June 2008, the RGB approved rent increases of 4.5 and 8.5 percent for 1-and 2-year renewal increases respectively. The board also approved a $45 to $85 supplemental increase on tenants who've lived in their apartment for 6 years or more and pay less than $1,000 in rent. As a result, these tenants were forced to pay a higher increase than what's legally allowed under current RGB guidelines. The NYC Council has long denounced this supplemental increase as a "poor tax" on working and middle-class New Yorkers, and were proud to work with the Legal Aid Society and Legal Services of New York to help take this unjust burden off of tenants.

The Council joins tenants and advocates across the five boroughs in applauding the Appellate Division for recognizing that the RGB had exceeded its authority under city and state housing laws when it attempted to unfairly penalize tenants for living in their homes too long.

You can read more here and here.

CM James and Peace Advocates Call On Military Cuts To Fund Citywide Budget Deficit, Human Needs

On April 15, 2010, Council Member Letitia James joined peace and hunger advocates from Brooklyn for Peace, Westside Campaign Against Hunger, and the Hunger Action Network of New York State to call for military cuts to fund the Citywide budget deficit and human needs.

Council Member Letitia James joined advocacy groups on the steps of City Hall on Thursday, April 15, 2010 to announce the upcoming introduction of a Council resolution urging the United State Congress to cut the military budget to help solve the City budget deficit and other urgent human needs such as affordable housing (including Section 8 vouchers), child nutrition programs, job training and development, and education program.

Joining Council Member James at the news conference were Mark Dunlea of the Hunger Action Network of NYS; Doreen Wohl of the Westside Campaign Against Hunger, Christy Robb of Hour Children, and Brooklyn Peace Coalition.

New York City is presently facing a $4.9 billion budget deficit. To resolve the deficit, the Mayor has proposed draconian cuts to essential city services and jobs. The Council resolution will urge the state's Congressional delegation to see cuts in the record military budget proposed by President Obama to provide funding to state and local governments to deal with the massive budget deficits throughout the country.

The resolution also asks that military spending be transferred to support job creation, affordable housing, anti-hunger programs, environmental protection, education and other essential human needs. For instance, anti-hunger groups and Senator Gillibrand are seeking an additional $4 billion annually in funding as part of the reauthorization of the various federal child nutrition programs (e.g., school and summer meals, WIC). The Senate Agriculture Committee, however, is proposing only a $450 million increase.

The City recently announced that in addition to rescinding 2,600 Section 8 housing vouchers it had promised low-income cuts, the lack of federal funds may require it to cut off 10,000 existing families receiving federal section 8 housing assistance. Advocacy groups note that New York taxpayers have paid $81.4 billion just for Iraq and Afghanistan war spending since 2001. According to the National Priorities Project, taxpayers in New York will pay $63.2 billion for Total Defense Spending in FY2010.

For more information on this issue, please call the Office of Council Member Letitia James at (212) 788-7081.